A charity that is supporting 11 people with disabilities, who are hoping to cycle 200 miles, is surveying the island ahead of the event.

Representatives of EMpowered People, a charity which provides adults who have additional needs with access to cycling, will be visiting the island next week.

The Manx Magic Inclusive Cycling Event will see the cyclists set off from the charity’s base in Todmorden, West Yorkshire, in July 2019.

Over four days they will cover 200 miles to the Isle of Man to take on the famous TT course.

Glenys Roberts, a 69-year-old who lost her leg in a traffic accident, is one individual planning to pedal up and down the Manx hills.

She said: ’I value the freedom that cycling brings me and the chance to find out what I’m capable of achieving, knowing that I have the support from EMpowered People disability cycling charity.’

Other participants include a 25-year-old whose brain injury left her with limited co-ordination and an 86-year-old who suffers from cancer and diabetes. Each disabled cyclist will have a dedicated support rider and a support vehicle will be provided.

Simon Lord, the charity’s founder, said: ’It is very important for me and all our members to have the freedom that cycling offers, not to mention the health benefits through exercise and "to have the wind in our faces".’